November 29, 2008

… happened to academic marxism?

Filed under: Miscellaneous

Probably nothing, I bet it’s always been like this, but let me just ask: what the fuck? When did it become (or, why is it) acceptable that marxism not have a link to the labor movement and/or other mass organizations of the working class? Or you know what, fuck it, forget “a link” how about “basic familiarity with.” Jesus fucking christ. “Commit it then to the flames, for it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion.”

Should note, many a marxist actually does have these sorts of links, more often those who belong to parties (cue one of my favorite Marx quotes, dissing Feuerbach and proclaiming the importance of organization) and including some who work as academics but I’d bet the percent’s a lot lower. Anyhow, surely renewing marxism means rebuilding those ties (and rebuilding mass working class organizations).

4 Comments »

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  1. Paraphrase of Castoriadis: “We have reached the point where we must choose between remaining Marxists, and remaining revolutionaries.”

    Comment by erik — November 29, 2008 @ 7:58 am

  2. paraphrase of Castoriadis: “We have reached the point where we must choose between remaining marxists, and remaining revolutionaries.”

    Comment by erik — November 29, 2008 @ 7:59 am

  3. I think actually existing marxism and revolutionaryness are logically independent, but not opposed (as categories). I’d say the same of anarchists. Anarchist academics are no better, as a group. Exceptions abound, of course.
    cheers,
    Nate

    Comment by Nate — November 29, 2008 @ 11:40 am

  4. Ahh… you’re speaking out what my heart feels. It’s interesting to see the many academic marxists out there who remain nearly meaningless because of their academic approach.
    I think that’s a big problem because somehow that undermines the political approach. It’s like marxism still is a strong tool as a science and as a form of analysis but it’s not accepted in the ethical way and political way. Another interesting part seems to be, that the academic approach on the other hand often backs the “religious” marxism: “Some day the association of free individuals will win, but we don’t want to get involved into the question of how, where and when.”

    regards,
    jon

    Comment by jon — December 4, 2008 @ 4:42 am

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